Decorating

Expert Tips On How To Decorate With Vintage Pieces

Let these tips guide you on how to infuse your hand-me-downs into your modern home and still make them shine

Original Article: Andrea J. Portugal Photography: Dairy Darilag (Main Photos)

Most people find it daunting to include heirloom pieces or family hand-me-downs in the design of their modern homes. “Sometimes, we’re apprehensive about using old pieces or heirloom pieces because our idea is modern. We throw away what our parents or grandparents give us, and we have this tendency to ‘disrespect’ these pieces,” says interior designer Wilan Dayrit.

However, we can’t deny the sense of charm and interest that family heirlooms can bring to a home, which newly-bought pieces can’t. Here, Wilan offers some tips on how to work with such storied items in a modern setting.

1. Let your pieces float


Set your heirlooms in such a way that they shine in the space and capture the interest of anyone who sees it. In the living area, for instance, you can use sheer white curtains to create an airy vibe that makes room for the heirloom pieces to stand out and take centerstage.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

2. Choose pieces with interesting silhouettes


Pieces that came from an entirely different period in time look, in many ways, different from those we normally see in more modern spaces—a quality which makes them all the more enchanting. For example, an old ballerina sculpture in mid-twirl or a hundred-year-old sewing machine can add a layer of soul to a home because of their history and their unique silhouettes.

3. Use heirloom pieces sparingly


CONTINUE READING BELOW
watch now

Yes, hand-me-downs are great decorative pieces—but make sure you don’t use too many of them in one place. “In effect, they will shine,” Wilan explains. “These are pieces that add value to your home that store bought pieces cannot match. Don’t be afraid to mix them into your modern home.”

This snippet originally appeared in the July 2017 issue of Real Living Magazine.

More on Realliving.com.ph

Shares

Read more stories about

Latest Stories

Love Black? Get Inspiration from This Bachelor Pad in Mandaluyong

Need ideas for your own small home? Take a look at this condo!

3 Ways to Cool Down Your Home, According to Architect Oliver Austria

Bring the heat down with these useful tips.

5 Budget-Friendly Makeover Tips To Revamp Your Tiny Home

Discover 5 budget-friendly tips from expert architects Richard Manlulu Garcia and Gianne Borlongan.

Wooden Finishes Transform This Condo Into the Ultimate Bachelor’s Pad

The owner requested for “a modern design with dark wood accents.”

10 Wallet-Friendly Smart Devices for Your Home

Let's make life easier when we can.

Mid-Century Meets Tropical in this Sprawling Resort-Like Home in Calamba

It is located at the foothills of Mt. Makiling and surrounded by lush greenery.

This 150sqm Family Home in Bacolod is the Perfect Blend of Luxurious and Homey

This hotel-like space has dark colors, ultra-modern elements, and more.

5 Container Home Building Essentials for First-Time Builders

Top 5 essentials for building a container home with expert architects Richard Manlulu Garcia and Gianne Borlongan.

Learn About Homebuilding From the Experts: Here Comes RealLiving Masterclass!

Get the best design advice from two of the country's top architects.

This 24 Sqm Condo Unit Was Transformed Into a Stylish Home for a Family of 5

Learn more about how an interior design studio utilized the space's small footprint with a P350,000 budget.
Load More Stories